The seven subnational laboratories of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) have the capacity to test vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), an official of the institute said on Wednesday, Jan. 26.
“Tungkol po doon sa sub-national laboratories natin, ito po ay para sa apat na (Regarding our sub-national laboratories, this is for the testing of four) vaccine-preventable diseases. So iyong Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis at Rotavirus virus,” said RITM Virology Department Head Mayan Lumandas in a public briefing.
“So, iyong mga laboratory po magkakaroon ng kapasidad na mag-test ng apat na sakit sa pamamagitan po ng pag-analyze ng dugo, cerebrospinal fluid at saka stool (these laboratories will have the capacity to test four diseases by analyzing blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and stool),” she added.
Lumandas said that the expansion of the RITM’s capacity will equip the country in handling disease outbreaks.
“So, mahalaga po ito, iyong pagkakaroon ng ganitong laboratory upang maging handa po tayong rumesponde sa mga outbreaks at saka makakatulong po itong magbigay ng mga datos para po sa National Immunization Program rin at iba pa pong programa ng DOH na may kinalaman po sa prevention and control ng mga sakit na ito (it is important to have such laboratories so that we can be ready to respond to outbreaks. These can also help provide data for the National Immunization Program and other DOH programs that are related to disease prevention and control),” she said.
The subnational laboratories will be located at Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital, Western Visayas Medical Center, Vicente Sotto Medical Center, Zamboanga Medical Center, Southern Philippines Medical Center, and Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.
Lumandas said that these laboratories are expected to be operational by July.
The World Health Organization (WHO) “provided over P36 million worth of laboratory equipment and supplies” in order “to fully operationalize the subnational laboratories,” the Department of Health (DOH) said in a recent statement.
“With fluctuating vaccination coverage rates in the last decade, the Philippines, particularly Filipino children, remain at risk for vaccine preventable diseases. This initiative not only gives better tools to care for individual patients, but it also helps to respond more strategically to protect communities,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
“With the establishment of these SNLs, we strengthen the laboratory capacity for the detection and confirmation of VPDs. An extensive laboratory network is crucial in confirming early possible outbreaks and allows us to prioritize immediate public health actions,” said RITM Director Dr. Celia Carlos.